Health and Safety
No issue is more important than operating a safe workplace and making sure all employees receive the proper training and use the proper equipment. That’s why our members follow our strict and mandatory Code of Conduct that includes placing a priority on worker safety. WISA members work hard to meet the goal of zero workforce accidents and injuries.
Additionally, WISA requires its members to implement strict policies to eliminate any potential adverse health effects associated with occupational silica exposure. That includes having in place strict performance practices to control dust generation and using advanced technology and equipment to control air emissions from our operations. That also includes adopting procedures to monitor for occupational silica exposure, conducting regular employee health evaluations and following other stringent program guidelines.
Among the health initiatives WISA members adopt are the National Industrial Sand Association’s (NISA’s) Occupational Health Program (OHP) – a comprehensive program to ensure protection of employee health, which in turn provides protection to the public.
A manual outlining the program, Occupational Health Program for Exposure to Crystalline Silica in the Industrial Sand Industry, provides guidelines to engage in monitoring and medical surveillance of employees both to control exposures to crystalline silica and to provide a data base for future epidemiological studies.
The program consists of the following basic components:
1) Job placement health evaluations for respiratory status
2) Periodic respiratory health evaluations
3) Workplace dust exposure monitoring
4) Integration of exposure and medical monitoring
The manual provides guidelines to companies to engage in monitoring of silica exposures and medical surveillance of their employees both to control exposure to respirable crystalline silica and to provide a data base for future epidemiological studies. The guidance included in the manual reflects the recommendations of health research organizations such as the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and regulatory agencies such as the Mine Safety and health Administration (MSHA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This guidance is provided to assist member companies in designing a program to meet the elements of assessment of silica exposure and medical assessment of silicosis of the NISA Silicosis Prevention Program. However, each company is ultimately responsible for tailoring its program to meet its individual needs. Competent physicians, industrial hygienists, and other professionals should be consulted as needed for advice on implementing a program that meets these guidelines.
To download the manual, click here.
NISA Silicosis Prevention Program
WISA members also are committed to managing a comprehensive silicosis prevention program developed by NISA called the NISA Silicosis Prevention Program (SPP). An abbreviated version of the SPP can be viewed by clicking here.
(From the National Industrial Sand Association)